Hidden Valley RV Park, located 64 miles from Brandon, recently opened their Christmas Tree Trail (2.5 km, approx.) for the season. Follow the hand painted Christmas tree, ornament, and snowflake signs to get to the Christmas tree and lookout bench. Remember to bring an ornament with you to decorate the tree at the end of the trail. The perfect activity for young families or Christmas fans, the 2.5km hike can best be described as quite scenic, not overly challenging with a slight incline at the start. For those more adventurous, there are additional trails on the property including one that takes you to the lake.  This is the second year for the Christmas Tree Trail. Citing some additional free time last winter, ownership told bdnmb.ca they decided to take advantage of the many trails the campground has for their summer campers. They painted some Christmas themed signage on scrap wood on the property and initially thought they might get 50 total people using trail. Word quickly spread and there were days when 50 people would access the trail on a daily basis. The entrance to the trail is located between the main road into the campground and the boat parking. There is no cost to access the trail abut if you would like to make a donation to the Killarney Food Bank you can Etransfer them at contact@killarneyfoodbank.com. For directions to the trail, please click here.

The famously popular MrBeast Burger will soon be available in Brandon, starting December 15. Local food truck owner (Smoked & Sauced, Poutine King) Jayson McCallum told bdnmb.ca he will be operating MrBeast Burgers out of a ghost kitchen inside his new restaurant (Eastside Eatery) on Richmond Avenue. “MrBeast Burger operates out of existing restaurant kitchens, allowing restaurateurs to add a new source of revenue without impacting the operation,” according to the MrBeast website. The concept was first introduced to the world in late 2020 by YouTube giant Jimmy Donaldson, known as Mr. Beast, who now has over 84 million followers. The selection of burgers, named after MrBeasts's closest friends, will only be available via the online platform Door Dash initially with other means of ordering coming shortly thereafter.

Eastside Eatery is opening again under new ownership! Local Chef and restauranteur Jay McCallum, alongside partner Tamara Newman are taking over the Eastside of Brandon, as they re-open Eastside Eatery located at 1451 Richmond Avenue East. Eastside Eatery initially closed during the pandemic and it wasn’t feasible to reopen for the previous owners. Jay and Tamara have been busy revamping the menu and interior of the restaurant. The new menu will include some gluten friendly options, and a carb count will be available in the future for all menu items for customers with diabetes. There will be some old favourites included, and hopefully you’ll find some new favourites as well! Jay has 23 years of kitchen experience under his belt, and has been Head Chef at several popular local restaurants in Brandon since starting his kitchen career. He is well known in Westman for his award winning food trucks Smoked & Sauced and The Poutine King. Watch for doors opening in the upcoming weeks! While there isn’t a firm date in place, they have hopes that The Banquet Hall will be open for events by February. Catering will be available for all types of events, birthday parties, socials, and weddings being just some of the options available. Their team will work with you to make a menu that suits your individual tastes. Inquire about availability via Facebook, emailing smokedandsauced@outlook.com or calling 204-725-5226. Follow @eastsideeatery on Facebook for more information regarding opening dates.

Southbridge Medical Clinic is set to open its doors at Unit C – 1340 10th Street. The clinic will be home to physicians practicing a full scope of Family Medicine, including Pediatrics and Geriatric Care, as well as, Obstetrics and Gynecology. The clinic will also function as a training site for medical students and physician residents. It will complement the services provided by Rotary Villas in the building, as well as neighboring pharmacy, Flatland Drugs. The clinic is set to open on January 4th, 2022. “There are over 150 seniors in a one block radius of the clinic when considering the residents in Crocus Gardens and Rotary Villas, it will be tremendous to have access to doctors within walking distance of their front door and in some cases under the same roof. Residents from Rotary Villas can come over and see a doctor and have their prescription filled without even leaving the building.” Commented Jason Roblin Chief Executive Officer of Vionell Holdings Partnership. “There are a few renovations we are completing in December, and we will start welcoming patients into the clinic in the new year. Our team at Southbridge Medical Clinic is looking forward to providing Brandon and the surrounding area a new option for healthcare.” Joshua Rist Clinic Manager of Southbridge Medical Clinic. (submitted)

Tubin’ at Grand Valley Park will open December 2021 and is only 8 kms west of Brandon’s Corral Centre, at the location of the former waterslide park. The Tube Park will operate Thursday to Sunday throughout the winter, weather permitting. Jordan Ross and Katherine Jeroski operate Grand Valley Provincial Park/Campground and their family is excited to offer this new winter activity in Brandon. Tubin’ at Grand Valley Park will offer an outdoor winter experience in a fun, safe, and family friendly environment. The Tube Park will offer great fun for the young and the young at heart. Offering “All Thrill, No Skill” winter family fun, the tube park will feature 3 snow tube lanes and a handle tow lift so you can relax on your way back uphill. No equipment is needed as each rider will be supplied with a specialized winter tube. Helmets will be mandatory for children 12 and under and will be available for rent. Due to the pandemic, the Tube Park will operate strictly outdoors this year, with heated washroom facilities. The new business has plans for further expansion next season. Tickets for two-hour increments will be available online for $12. More information and bookings can be made at www.grandvalleypark.com.